Travel is a deeply human experience—a chance to explore, connect, and create memories that have transformative power. While the why of travel hasn’t changed much, the how is evolving at lightning speed.
How we plan, experience, and even what we expect from travel is shifting—and for good reason.
Travelers are demanding more personal, authentic, and thoughtful experiences—and the travel industry is stepping up to meet them in innovative ways.
We’ve analysed the latest research and uncovered five key trends shaping the future of travel in 2025. From hyper-personalised itineraries to sustainable practices, immersive tech, and the solo travel boom, these shifts are creating exciting new opportunities for the industry.
Watch our video to uncover the biggest trends transforming how we explore the world—and see how tour operators and destinations can stay ahead of the curve!
What’s in store for the world of travel and tourism this year? Personalisation is no longer optional. Today’s travellers expect their preferences to be understood and catered to before they even hit “book now.”
Sustainability is now a baseline expectation. According to a study by The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 75% of global travellers say want to travel more sustainably in 2025, and the travel industry is working overtime to heed the call.
Cookie-cutter tours and tourist traps are out; authentic experiences that tell a real story are in.
And that’s just scratching the surface!
With technology transforming the way we explore, the rise of solo travel, and a focus on this one key factor, your guests can become your most effective marketers.
Industry reports, expert insights, and real-world examples paint a clear picture of what’s ahead.
While these trends are reshaping how travellers explore the world, they’re also setting new standards for success in the travel industry for both destinations and tour operators.
Concepts like "personalisation" and "sustainability" are no longer just industry buzzwords. They’ve become fundamental pillars shaping how travellers make decisions and how businesses deliver value.
The tours and activities sector is expected to reach an impressive market size of $1.7 trillion by 2027, highlighting its resilience and immense growth potential despite global economic uncertainties.
As travel trends reshape tourism in 2025, this presents forward-thinking businesses with a prime opportunity to innovate, adapt to evolving traveler expectations, and drive the future of the industry.
At Smiler, we partner with tour operators and online travel agencies to enhance guest experiences through the power of professional photography.
Our approach is simple: we help our partners capture authentic moments that spark engagement, strengthen your brand, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Curious to learn more about how Smiler can transform your tours and boost your visibility? Book an exploratory call today—let’s discuss how photography can support you harnessing these key trends shaping 2025.
